Russian national team defenseman Kirill Tulupov (New Jersey Devils)ís path to hockey is quite unique and he shared itís details with Sport.ru correspondent. Itís quite nice that there are people for whom obstacles do not beat them off their chosen path. (Sport Today interview by Alexei Shevchenko) READ MORE

The Russian National Team coaching staff has announced the preliminary roster
of Russiaís U20 national team that will compete in the eight matches of
the Super Series against Canadian teams as part of the 35th anniversary celebrations
since the 1972 Super Series between Soviet and NHL hockey stars.

Analysis of the first 9 Russian players taken in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. The list of analyzed players includes talented forwards Sergei Shirokov and Alexander Bumagin), as well as the highly rated but surprisingly fallen potential power forward Andrei Popov. READ MORE

2006 NHL ENTRY DRAFTRank 3: #22 Ranking Comments:Tulupov should be familiar to the fans of the Canadian junior leagues, as he has returned to Russia after spending some time in North America. Tulupov stands out with his impressive size and the physical presence he brings to the ice. He skates well and works hard on the ice, but had some difficulties adjusting positionally to the bigger North American ice surface. Tulupov made the most of his U18 WJC opportunity and despite a mediocre performance showed off his size and significant potential.

Talent Analysis:

Scout 1: Possesses a very strong and solid frame...above average skater with long strides...slightly above average acceleration...possesses a hard slap shot from the blue line with an average accuracy...works very hard during every shift...a physical presence on the ice and tries to lay down the hits when the opportunity arises...needs to improve his positioning on the bigger ice surface, as he at times loses his bearings when pursuing an opponent or trying to deliver a hit at the boards.

Back In Russia:

Kiril Tulupov spent the 2004-05 season in North America skating for junior "A"ís Toronto Rattlers. The young forward moved back to Russia after the season to pursue a pro career in the Russian leagues and attempt to make Russiaís U18 national team. He was successful on both fronts, first signing a deal with Neftyannik (Leninogorsk) and making his professional in the High League (Russia 2), and then also skating for Team Russia at last two U18 tournaments of the 2005-06 season: the 4 Nations tournament in Mytische and the U18 WJC.

NHL Outlook:

Kiril Tulupov is eligible for the 2006 NHL Entry Draft. The young defensemanís size makes him a very attractive prospect to an NHL organization and he has proven his ability to effectively compete on the smaller North American ice surface. The young bluelinerís stock has really come out of nowhere onto the radar after his national team debut. He showed his work ethic, solid skating skills and his impressive size, which may have been enough to earn him a late round selection at the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.